Methods and apparatus for sidewalk tiles

ABSTRACT

A system and method for forming concrete tiles for use in concrete walkways and concrete patios and courtyards. The system includes a unitary frame with two or more slanted sidewalls with a plurality of pickup points placed within an interior opening of the unitary frame. Concrete poured into the interior opening of the frame forms a beveled or slanted concrete sidewalk tile. The pickup points are buried in the beveled concrete sidewalk tiles. When an opening in the pickup points is uncovered, a means to pick and place the beveled concrete sidewalk tiles is provided. Slanted or beveled sidewalls prevent binding to or interference with adjacent slanted or beveled sidewalk tiles to facilitate lifting.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This United States (U.S.) patent application is a continuationapplication that claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/445,602 entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SIDEWALK TILES, filed Jul.29, 2014, now issued. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/445,602 is acontinuation application that claims the benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/956,636 entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS OFSIDEWALK TILES, filed Dec. 14, 2007, which in turn claims the benefit ofU.S. provisional patent application No. 60/984,720 entitled UNITARYFRAME FOR REMOVEALBE SIDEWALK TILES, filed Nov. 1, 2007 by Brent M.Kaylor et al.

FIELD

The embodiments of the invention generally relate to concrete walkways.

BACKGROUND

Referring now to background FIG. 1, trees 101A-101B are often plantednear sidewalk 100 to provide aesthetics and shade from sunlight. Largetrees, especially evergreens and shade trees, such as ficus, are popularwith city planners because of their hardiness and year round appeal.Unfortunately trees may have extensive roots systems that over time maydisplace or even crack sidewalk tiles.

Each tree 101A-101B may have one or more roots 102A-102B that may spreadout from the original position where the trees were planted. Sometimesthese roots go under sidewalks and force the sidewalk upward therebycracking it so that it requires repair as illustrated by the cracks105A-105D. The cracks may become so large over time that the brokensidewalk 100A-100D not only becomes an eyesore but a hazard topedestrians walking over it, possibly tripping a pedestrian to fall ontothe sidewalk 100.

Traditionally formed sidewalk has vertical sides. Moreover, expansionjoints may be small or non-existent so they are not easily displaced ormoved upward by tree root systems. As a result traditionally formedsidewalk is more likely to crack and be damaged from tree roots. Thevertical sides present a relatively large surface area which closelyabuts the neighboring tile leaving little or no gap between. A highfriction coefficient of concrete resists abutting sides of sidewalk fromsliding against each other. As pressure from the roots increases,traditionally formed tiles of sidewalk may crack before they aredisplaced as illustrated by the cracks 105A-105D in sidewalk tiles100A-100D. Even if they don't crack, displaced tiles still present ahazard to a pedestrian. Lifted edges of a sidewalk tile may trip up apedestrian leading to an annoying if not painful tumble.

Each city may be in charge of repairing a broken sidewalk. Once cracksform or the tiles are displaced, city contractors may grind upliftedcracks or patch the cracks with asphalt. However if the cracks areunrepairable, city contractors may generally demolish the offendingsidewalk tile. The broken sidewalk is cut away and demolished intorubble so that it can be hauled away.

With the sidewalk removed, the exposed tree roots that cause the damagecan be cut away from the tree from the surface below the sidewalk. Thesoil underneath the sidewalk can be re-graded. A frame of lumber (oftentwo-by fours cut and hammered together with nails) is built around theexposed soil where new sidewalk tile is to be formed. New concrete ispoured into the wooden frame to form a new slab of concrete to replacethe broken portion of the sidewalk. Depending on the weather concretemay take 3-7 days to cure properly, during which time the sidewalk maybe roped off to avoid use.

After sufficient curing time to form concrete sidewalk, the citycontractors return to the site and remove the wooden frame andbarricades. Landscaping may also be performed to restore the area intohaving a more esthetic look.

Cities may have hundreds of miles of sidewalks with trees periodicallyplanted next to it. Traditional repair of sidewalks may be costly for acity and its tax paying citizens if there are numerous miles oftree-line sidewalks. Reduction in material and labor time costs torepair sidewalks may save considerable sums of money for a city withnumerous miles of tree-lined sidewalks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The embodiments of the invention are summarized by the claims thatfollow below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is background figure illustrating the problem of havingtree-lined sidewalk.

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anassembled sidewalk construction kit.

FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of asidewalk construction kit including reinforcement and pickup pointsassembled together.

FIG. 3A is a magnified view of FIG. 2A illustrating an exemplary pickuppoint assembled to the reinforcement latticework.

FIG. 3B is a magnified view of FIG. 2B illustrating an exemplary pickuppoint molded together to the reinforcement latticework.

FIG. 4A is a magnified perspective view of a corner of the assembledsidewalk construction kit of FIG. 2A illustrating the reinforcingstructure assembled to sides or sidewalls of the unitary frame.

FIG. 4B is a magnified perspective view of a corner of the sidewalkconstruction kit of FIG. 2B illustrating the reinforcing structuremolded into sides or sidewalls of the unitary frame.

FIGS. 5A-5C are different views of another exemplary embodiment of asidewalk construction kit for rectangular sidewalk tiles.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a sidewalkconstruction kit for curved sidewalk tiles.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a plurality of assembled sidewalk constructionkits to form concrete sidewalk tiles prior to being filled withconcrete.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a sidewalk construction kit beingfilled with concrete to form a beveled removable concrete sidewalk tile.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a plurality of beveled removableconcrete sidewalk tiles forming a concrete sidewalk that is displaced bytree roots.

FIGS. 10A-10C are top perspective views illustrating assembly of anchorinserts and cables to pickup points in a beveled removable concretetile.

FIGS. 11A-11C are views illustrating pickup and placement of a beveledremovable concrete tile after grading repair.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of concrete patching over pickuppoints after cables and anchor inserts are removed.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a mosaic of beveled removableconcrete sidewalk tiles adjacent to each other to form a patio orcourtyard surrounding a tree.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary independent pickup point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of theinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding. However, the embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances well knownmethods, procedures, materials, and elements have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments ofthe invention.

Generally, the embodiments of the invention include a beveled sidewalktile construction kit to receive concrete to form a beveled sidewalktile. The beveled sidewalk tile construction kit includes a unitaryframe and a plurality of reinforced pickup points to be positionedwithin the frame. The unitary frame may act as a mold when concrete ispoured into the frame. After the concrete cures to the frame, the frameprovides additional support as a part of the beveled sidewalk tile. Thebeveled sidewalk tile is removable and replaceable so that repairs maybe made to the grading or surface upon which the sidewalk tile wasresting. After repairing the grading or surface, the beveled sidewalktile can then be replaced on the surface and cosmetically patched.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-4A, a beveled sidewalk construction kit 200Ais illustrated. The construction kit 200A includes a beveled unitaryframe 201A and a reinforcement structure 202 such as a plurality ofreinforcement bars (rebar). The construction kit 200A may furtherinclude one or more pickup points 206A coupled to the reinforcementstructure 202 to allow a slanted or beveled sidewalk tile to beremovable. Without the one or more pickup points 206A, the height of thesidewalls of the unitary frame may be shorter to conserve concrete andform a more light-weight beveled sidewalk tile that is more suited to ado it yourself sidewalk construction kit for use around a home.

The unitary frame 201A may be rectangular like a window frame andinclude four sides or sidewalls 210A-210D, a base lip 204, and aninterior opening 214. One or more of the sides or sidewalls 210A-201ADof the frame 201A are beveled or slanted outward from the base lip 204to form beveled or slanted sides or sidewalls. Instead of beingperpendicular and forming an angle of ninety degrees with the respect tothe base lip 204, the beveled or slanted sidewalls form an angle greaterthan ninety degrees with the base lip. Beveled or slanted sidewallsallow the sidewalk tile to be lifted up and away from any neighboringsidewalk or sidewalk tile without binding against. In FIG. 2A, all foursides or sidewalls 210A-210D are shown as being slanted or beveled.However it should be appreciated that only one side or sidewall of theframe 201A may be slanted to lower the surface area between two adjacentsidewalk tiles.

The base lip 204 of the frame may provide a foundation for the framewhen the frame is placed into soft soil or loose sand. The added surfacearea of the base lip 204 may prevent the frame from sinking into theloose soil and creating an uneven sidewalk tile. The base lip 204provides support along the edges of the concrete formed in the interioropening 214. The base lip 204 further prevents the sides or sidewalls210A-210D of the frame from digging into a surface to ease the pickup ofa sidewalk tile. The interior opening 214 allows water to drain whenconcrete is setting within the interior opening. However in anotherimplementation, the base lip 204 may instead be extended out from eachside 201A-201D and merged together to completely form a bottom side 204′of the frame 201A. Holes may be added to the bottom side 204′ to providea perforation to allow water to escape when concrete is setting. With aclosed bottom side 204′, a light-weight concrete (e.g., cement with alight weight aggregate, such as volcanic rock or pumice stone) orasphalt may be poured or placed into the interior opening 214 to providea temporary sidewalk tile.

The unitary frame 201A may be formed of various materials such as metal,plastic, reinforced plastic, fiberglass, reinforced fiberglass, acrylic,polymer, thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polyvinyl chloride), orpoly-resin. In one embodiment of the invention, the unitary frame isformed of sixteen gauge steel.

The unitary frame 201A may include a reinforcement structure 202A formedwithin the interior opening 214 of the frame 201A. A reinforcing mesh,grid or latticework 202A may be formed in the interior opening 214 up tothe sides or sidewalls 210A-210D of the frame 201A. In someimplementations, the latticework 202A may be formed by assembling a gridof reinforcement bars 212 together. The sides or sidewalls 210A-210D mayhave U-like shaped pockets 402 (see FIG. 4A) to receive thereinforcement bars and hold them in place supported above the base lip204 within the interior opening 214. The latticework 202A may be formedof various materials such as metal, plastic, reinforced plastic,fiberglass, reinforced fiberglass, acrylic, polymer, thermoplasticpolymer (e.g., polyvinyl chloride), or poly-resin. In oneimplementation, the reinforcement bars 212 are steel rebar attached tothe frame in a grid-like pattern and periodically tied together at crosspoints. The reinforcement bars 212 are attached to the frame so thatthey supported above the base lip 204. If the pockets 402 areunavailable to support the reinforcement bars 212 above the base lip204, the ends of steel rebar may be welded to the sides or sidewalls ofa metal frame approximately half-way between the base lip 204 and a topedge of the frame.

The latticework 202A may provide a structure upon which pickup points206A may be attached. Pickup points are devices to allow a beveled orslanted sidewalk tile to be replaceably removed during root removal andgrading.

In FIGS. 3A and 4A, perspective views of the pickup point 206A areshown. The pickup point 206A shown is a threaded cylindrical tube withan opening at the top. The interior of the tube is threaded to receiveand securely hold a corresponding threaded eye-bolt or anchor insert.Metal loop 302 is welded to the side of the cylindrical tube and extendsbelow the cylindrical tube. In this embodiment the metal loop is onecontinuous piece and the rebar 212 may be slid into place prior to beingwelded to the frame. Other methods of securely attaching the pickuppoints 206A to rebar 222 may be used, such as by wire tie wrap.

In some embodiments of the invention, the pickup points 206A are coupledto the latticework 202A if available. In other embodiments of theinvention without a latticework 202, the pickup points 506 (see FIGS.5A-5C) themselves may include a reinforcement structure. The pickuppoints 206A are coupled to the reinforcing grid or latticework 202A sothat they won't be displaced when concrete is poured into the opening214 of the frame 201A.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, four pickup points 206A areattached to the intersection of the rebar. As shown in FIG. 3A, a metalloop 302 from the pickup point 206A may wrapped around the intersectionof the reinforcement bars. The loop extends below the pickup point andforms a circular opening sufficiently large to receive the reinforcingstructure. Steel rebar may be received by the loop 302. The base of thepickup point 206A may welded onto steel rebar. For extra strength, theloop may be welded onto steel rebar as well.

As best shown in FIG. 3A, the pickup points 206A include a threadedopening 306 into which a threaded bolt may be screwed. A plug or caps712 (see FIG. 7) may be inserted into the threaded opening 306 so thatwhen concrete is poured, the threaded opening is not filled withconcrete. To avoid corrosion, the base of the pickup point 206A ispreferably positioned above the plane of the base lip 204 so thatconcrete forms underneath and rests on any soil or grading over which abeveled or slanted sidewalk tile is placed.

FIG. 4A illustrates the placement of the rebar in interior opening ofthe frame with ends coupling to the sides or sidewalls of the frame withrespect to the base lip 204. The rebar 212 are attached to the sides orsidewalls of the unitary frame in such a way that the pickup points donot touch the soil. Generally sidewalks are laid on loose dirt or sandwhich may become wet from subsurface water sources or runoff from lawnsonto the sidewalk. It is undesirable for pickup points 206A to beweakened by corrosion. Therefore the pickup point 206A may benefit frombeing substantially surrounded by concrete so as to not touch any moistsoil underneath a sidewalk.

The unitary frame may be formed by bonding individual side pieces210A-210D together. If the side pieces 210A-210D are steel, the sidepieces may be welded together at the mitered corners 405. Alternatively,the side pieces 210A-210D may be assembled together at the corners usinga tongue and groove system (not shown) or a hinge-like corner joiningmechanism (hinge joint) 410 as illustrated in FIG. 4A. Cylinders of afirst portion 411B of the hinge joint are coupled to the side 210B.Cylinders of a second portion 411C of the hinge joint are coupled to theside 210C. The cylinders of the first portion and the cylinders of thesecond portion of the hinge joint 410 are offset from each other so theycan interlaced together at the corner 405. When properly interlaced,openings in the cylinders of the first portion and the second portionalign together similar to a door hinge so that a pin 412 may be insertedand hold the sides or sidewalls 210B and 210 coupled together at themitered corner 405.

To further simplify construction of a beveled or slanted sidewalk tile,the construction kit may include a unitary frame that is molded orstamped as one piece so as to avoid much assembly of the unitary frame.

Referring now to FIGS. 2B-4B, a beveled or slanted sidewalk constructionkit 200B is illustrated with a unitary frame 201B. The unitary frame201B is molded or stamped as one piece including the reinforcing latticestructure or latticework 202B. That is, the reinforcement structure 202Bmay be a grid or latticework composed of bars or laths that aremolded/stamped with the frame 201B as one. Similarly, a plurality ofpickup points 206B may be further molded/stamped together with theunitary frame 201B and the reinforcement structure as one piece.

The molded/stamped frame and reinforcement structure 202B substantiallysimplifies assembly of the beveled or slanted sidewalk construction kit200B. The plurality of pickup points 206B allow a slanted or beveledsidewalk tile to be removable. However, without the one or more pickuppoints 206B, the height of the sidewalls of the unitary frame may beshorter to conserve concrete and form a more light-weight beveledsidewalk tile that is more suited to a do it yourself sidewalkconstruction kit for use around a home.

After the construction kit 200A is assembled, the like numbered elementsof the sidewalk construction kit 200B have substantially similarfunctionality which is incorporated here by reference for reasons ofbrevity. For example, the unitary frame 201B, similar to the unitaryframe 201A, has one or more beveled or slanted sides or sidewalls210A-210D and a base lip 204 to provide the same or similarfunctionality of like numbered elements. The latticework 202B reinforcesthe strength of the concrete as does the latticework 202A. In anotherimplementation, the base lip 204 may instead be extended out from eachside 201A-201D and merged together to completely form a bottom side 204′of the frame 201B.

Instead of having to manually assemble the pickup points 206A to thelatticework 202A, the pickup points 206B are molded or stamped togetherwith the latticework 202B and the frame 201B during manufacturing of theconstruction kit 200B. Moreover, the latticework 202B properly positionsthe pickup points 206B at an appropriate height so they are buried byconcrete when it is level with the top edge of the sides or sidewalls210A-210D of the frame 201B. As can be seen in FIG. 4B, the latticework202B merges into the sides or sidewalls 210B and 210C at an appropriateheight to keep the pickup point properly positioned within the concretewhen it is poured.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B-4B, the pickup points 206B are preferablyformed at cross points of the latticework 202B with a largerreinforcement base portion 312. If formed of a reinforced plastic orreinforced fiberglass, the pickup points 206B may include a metalthreaded sleeve 316 with the threaded opening 306 to better support theload of the sidewalk tile when it is lifted.

Instead of a latticework or reinforcement structure, reinforced pickuppoints may be used in the interior opening 214 of a unitary frame 201Ain accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, another configuration of a beveled orslanted sidewalk construction kit 500 is illustrated. The beveled orslanted sidewalk construction kit 500 includes a beveled or slantedunitary frame 201A, and a plurality of independent reinforced pickuppoints 506. The reinforced pickup points 506 are independentlypositioned within the interior opening 214 of the unitary frame 201A.The beveled or slanted sidewalk frame 201A includes one or more beveledor slanted sidewalls and the base lip 204. As the pickup points are notattached to the unitary frame, the pickup points may be placed in anyposition within the interior of the unitary frame as desired.

Instead of including a reinforcing structure coupled to the frame 201A,the pickup points 506 include their own reinforcement structure. Forexample, rods may be attached to the base of the pickup points as theirreinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure is to strengthenthe attachment of embedded pickup points to the concrete of a beveled orslanted sidewalk tile. Other reinforcement devices or structures may becoupled to the pickup points to provide reinforced pickup points toprevent dislodging of the pickup points during load bearing.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a perspective view of an independentreinforced pickup point 506 is illustrated. The pickup point 506 mayinclude a cylindrical tube 1402, a base 1404 coupled to the tube 1402and a plurality of legs 1406 coupled to the base 1402.

The cylindrical tube 1402 includes the threaded opening 306 in itsinterior to receive a threaded anchor insert or a threaded eye bolt.Additionally, a plug or cap 712 may couple into the threaded opening 306as a part of the construction kit.

The base 1404 and legs 1406 of the pickup point 506 may rest upon thegrading surface. The base 1404 and legs 1406 of the pickup point 506 maybe formed of a non-ferrous material so as to avoid rust and corrosionfrom moisture in the grading surface. The base and legs 1406 lifts thecylindrical tube off of the soil surface and may prevent corrosion ofthe tube, if metal, or a metal insert.

The cylindrical tube 1402 is rigidly coupled to the base 1404 so thatthe tube avoids being pulled out of the concrete when a beveled orslanted sidewalk tile is lifted. The base 1404 and legs 1406 provide alarger surface area than that of the tube. Once concrete is poured intothe unitary frame and allowed to cure, the base 1404 and legs 1406 mayprevent the cylindrical tube 1402 of the pickup point 506 from beingpulled out of the concrete during load.

FIG. 14 also illustrates a perspective view of the cap or plug 712. Thecap or plug 712 includes a thin head 1424 and a shank or shaft 1426. Theshank or shaft 1426 may be hollow to allow the cap or plug 712 to bereadily pried up and out from the opening 306 in the pickup point 506.Alternatively, the shank or shaft 1426 may be threaded to threadinglycouple to the threads of the opening 306. In which case, the head 1424may include a hex head or a screw driver chisel opening to allow awrench or screwdriver to readily allow the cap or plug 712 to be readilyscrewed into and out of the pickup points. Note that the cap or plug 712may also be used with other embodiments of the pickup point includingpickup points 206A-206B illustrated in FIGS. 2A-4A and 2B-4B,respectively.

In FIG. 14, the independent pickup point 506 has a height h_(PU) at itstop surface that is just below the top surface of the concrete once theunitary frame is filled with concrete level with the top edge of eachside. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the height h_(PU) allows for a concretethickness TH_(c) between the top of the pickup point 506 with out thecap 712. The head 1424 of the cap 712 may slightly reduce the concretethickness TH_(c) by its own thickness. Thus not only is the top surfaceof the pickup point 506 but the top surface of the cap 712 plugged intothe pickup point is buried just under the top surface of the concrete.

Frames 201A-201B have been previously illustrated as being square orrectangular. However, not all sidewalks are rectangular in shape.Sidewalks may be curved to accommodate gradually turning corners.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a beveled or slanted sidewalk construction kit600 is illustrated with a curved unitary frame 601A. The curved unitaryframe 601A includes beveled or slanted sides or sidewalls 610A-610B tointerface to other beveled or slanted tiles and curving sides orsidewalls 610C-610D to change the direction of the sidewalk tile. Thecurving sides or sidewalls 610C-610D may not be beveled or slanted asthey may not be interfacing with any neighboring sidewalk tile thatwould otherwise result in interference. However, they may be beveled orslanted to ease lifting away from soil near the curving sides.

Similar to the rectangular frames 201A-201B, the curved unitary frameincludes a base lip 204 running along the bottom edge of each of thesides or sidewalls 610A-610D. While the curved frame 601A is illustratedwith a ninety degree curve, curves with other than ninety degrees may beformed in the curved frame 601A. Moreover, if there are differencesbetween a right hand or left hand curve, both right handed and lefthanded curved frames 601A may be formed,

With the curved unitary frame 601A, the construction kit 600 furtherincludes a plurality of independent reinforced pickup points 506. Theindependent pickup points 506 are placed within interior opening 614 ofthe unitary frame 601A in sufficient numbers to bear the load of thebeveled or slanted sidewalk tile should it be removed for gradingrepair. A reinforcement structure such as the latticework 202A-202B maybe employed in the interior of the curved frame 601A to reinforce theconcrete in the curved and beveled or slanted sidewalk tile. In whichcase, different pickup points, such as respective pickup points206A-206B may be used with the latticework 202A-202B.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a plurality of beveled or slanted sidewalkconstruction kits along with a filler material 702 are placed adjacenteach other to form a beveled or slanted tile sidewalk. The fillermaterial 702 is placed within a triangular-liked-shaped space or gapbetween each unitary frame 201A. Felt or hardened foam may be used asthe filler material 702 to allow expansion and contraction of thesidewalk tiles and deter water from seeping beneath the sidewalk betweenthe tiles. Thus, the filler material 702 may also be referred to as anexpansion material. The filler material 702 may further aid inpreventing the sidewalk tiles from binding during removal andreplacement. The filler material 702 is a strip of material runningalong the space at the joint between adjacent unitary frames 201A. Asillustrated, the strip of filler material 702 may have the shape of acylinder with a triangular-like-shape to fill the triangular-like-shapedgap along adjacent sidewalk tiles.

Independent pickup points 506 are placed within the unitary frame 201A.Aside from load considerations, a sufficient number of pick up points506 should be placed within the interior opening 214 of the frame 201 toallow a sidewalk tile to be lifted without breakage and yanking out thepivot points, and to avoid undue pitch and yaw in the beveled or slantedsidewalk tile. For example, one or perhaps even two pickup points maynot prevent the sidewalk tile from swaying side to side or front to backdepending on their placement.

After the plurality of reinforced pickup points are placed within theframe, the interior opening 214 of the unitary frames are filled withconcrete to form beveled or slanted sidewalk tile. However prior topouring the concrete into the interior openings 214, caps 712 may becoupled into and cover the opening 306 in the pickup points 506 toprevent concrete from entering into the opening 306 of the pickuppoints. Plugs or caps 712 may also be coupled into and cover over thethreaded openings in other types of pickup points 206A-206B. Each of theconstruction kits described herein may include the plugs or caps 712 forassembly together with its pickup points.

Referring now to FIG. 8, opening 214 in the frame of the sidewalkconstruction kit is filled with concrete 800 to form a beveled orslanted concrete sidewalk tile. The height h_(PU) of the pickup points206, 216, 506 and caps 712 with respect to the height h_(F) of the sidesor sidewalls 210A-210D of the frame is such that the plurality of pickuppoints and their caps 712 are buried just below the concrete surface sothey are hidden from view.

The concrete 800 preferably has a compressive strength of not less thantwo-thousand pounds per square inch (PSI). The compressive strength ofthe concrete may be over a range such as between two-thousand tothree-thousand five hundred PSI.

Generally, the concrete 800 is formed of a mixture including water,portland cement, and an aggregate. In one implementation, the concrete800 is a ready mix of 2500 PSI compressive strength, ordered andsupplied by truck, with an approximate mixture including 520 pounds(lbs) of portland cement, 1263 lbs of ¾ rock, 466 lbs of ⅜ rock (crush),1389 lbs of sand, and 38 gallons of water to form one cubic yard ofconcrete. The concrete 800 of course may be also be formed by using amixture of bag equivalents and scaled down to form less than a cubicyard for one square beveled or slanted sidewalk concrete tile with thedesired compressive strength. Alternatively, water may be added topre-mixed bags of concrete (e.g., 90 lb bags) of the desired compressivestrength to manually form a volume of the concrete 800.

The concrete 800 is poured or placed into the interior opening to fillthe unitary frame as shown in FIG. 8. Caps 712 may be placed on theopening of the pickup points 506 to prevent concrete from entering intothe interior of the pickup point. Care should be taken while pouring theconcrete so that independent pickup points 506 are not displaced orknocked over. Less care in pouring the concrete may be taken with thepickup points 206A-206B illustrated in FIGS. 2A-4A and 2B-4B as they maybe coupled to the latticework and/or the frame. After the unitary frameis filled with the concrete mixture, the top of the pickup points may becovered by a thin layer of concrete. For example, the top of the pickuppoints may be covered by a layer of concrete that is approximatelyone-eighth (⅛) of an inch thick. The thin layer of concrete hides thepickup points from view underneath the top surface of the beveled orslanted concrete sidewalk tile.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a beveled or slanted concrete sidewalk 900including a plurality of beveled or slanted sidewalk tiles 901A-901Gwith filler material 702A-702F between each. Near tiles 901C-901E is atree 905. Although it may provide shade and be picturesque, the tree 905may have an extensive root system 907 that over time may displace one ormore beveled or slanted sidewalk tiles such as tiles 901C-901E. Thebeveled or slanted sidewalls of the beveled or slanted sidewalk tilesallow them to avoid cracking as they do not bind against neighboringsidewalk tiles when displaced by tree roots or lifted up by other means.Thus they will likely be displaced upward from the root pressure beforecracking. However, even a displaced beveled or slanted sidewalk tilesuch as tiles 901C-901E may present a hazard to an unwary pedestrian.Thus, repairs of the grading underlying the beveled or slanted sidewalktiles are made to avoid the hazard. With beveled or slanted sidewalktiles, complete demolition of the displaced beveled or slanted sidewalktiles 901C-901E can be avoided. The displaced beveled or slantedsidewalk tiles 901C-901E may be temporarily moved by equipment such asby the back-hoe 910 to gain access to the grading and the tree roots 907to smooth out the surface upon which the tiles 901C-901E were resting.

When the sidewalk tiles are displaced by tree roots or work must beperformed underneath a section of sidewalk, the pickup points arelocated and an anchor insert, eye bolt, or other attachment is screwedinto the pickup point. A chain, a cable, or a strap may be attacheddirectly to the eye bolt or a lifting member may be attached to ananchor insert to facilitate lifting.

With cables or chains coupled to the anchor insert, a crane or backhoemay be used to lift and move the entire sidewalk tile aside. The treeroots in the exposed section of grading may be cut and removed and thesurface re-graded. The sidewalk tile may then be moved back into placewithout unnecessary demolition, replacement, or cure time.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C, attaching a sidewalk tile liftingapparatus its method of use is now described. The pickup points 506 arefirst located in the beveled or slanted sidewalk tile 1001. Severalmethods of locating the pickup points 506 may be employed. Among them,may be marking the concrete with the location of the pickup point.Another way may be to use a magnet to locate the pickup point if thesaid pickup point is made of a ferrous material. Placing the pickuppoints 506 at predetermined distances from top edges of the sidewalktile may also be used to locate a buried pickup point.

A blunt force instrument 1050, such as a hammer, is used to break away athin layer of concrete 1040 covering over the pickup points, such asillustrated by the uncovered pickup points 506′ in FIGS. 10A-10C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, anchor inserts 1002 may be screwed intothe uncovered pickup points 506′. The anchor insert 1002 includes athreaded shaft portion 1006, a shank portion 1007 and an expanded headportion 1008 having a larger diameter than the shank portion 1007. Oneend of a lifting member 1010 having an opening is then positioned overeach head portion 1008 of the anchor inserts 1002. The opposite end oflifting member 1010 may be attached to rings 1011 and chain or cable1004. A final hook 1012 with a cable or chain 1013 may be used to liftup on the chains or cables 1004.

As illustrated in FIG. 10C, instead of anchor inserts 1002, eyebolts1022 may instead be screwed into the uncovered pickup points 506′. Theeyebolts 1022 include a threaded shaft portion 1006, a shank portion1007 and an eyelet head portion 1018. Prior to lifting the beveled orslanted concrete tile, the hooks 1021 of the chain or cable 1004 may bedirectly inserted into the eyelet head portion. A final hook 1012 with acable or chain 1013 may be used to lift up on the chains or cables 1004.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, pick and re-placement of a beveled orslanted sidewalk tile is illustrated to gain access to the surfaceunderneath. In FIGS. 11A-11C, a spreader bar 1110 is illustrated betweenpoints on the cables 1004. The spreader bar 1110 may be permanent oradjustable and constructed in accordance to an estimate of the heaviestload with the addition of a safety factor. The spreader bar 1110 is usedto distribute the lifting stresses evenly over the beveled or slantedsidewalk tile, reduce the lateral force applied to the anchor inserts,and reduce the tendency of a sidewalk tile to bow.

In FIG. 11A, the cables 1004 with spreader bar are coupled to the anchorinserts 1002 which are coupled to the pickup points 506. A hook 1012 ofanother cable or chain 1013 may be coupled to the cables 1004 and thetile 1001 may be lifted away as illustrated in FIG. 11B.

As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the roots 907′ may be cut away or removedand the surface under the tile 1001 may be graded.

As illustrated in FIG. 11C, the beveled or slanted sidewalk tile 1001may be moved back on top of the flat graded surface 1150 in order withrespect to the neighboring tiles. The filler material 702 may bereplaced along sides or sidewalls of adjacent neighboring tile prior tomoving the sidewalk tile back.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12. After repositioning the beveled orslanted sidewalk tile 1001, the cables 1013, 1004, the lift members1010, and the anchor inserts 1002 may be uncoupled and removed. Plugs orcaps 712 may be replaced into the threaded opening of the pickup points506 as shown and described herein. The thin surface of concrete 1040previously broken out from the tile over the pickup points 506, may bepatched with a new thin layer of cement or concrete 1206 as depicted inFIG. 12.

FIG. 13 illustrates a plurality of beveled or slanted sidewalk tilesforming a patio or courtyard 1300 around a tree 1301. While all sides orsidewalls of a beveled or slanted sidewalk tile may be beveled orslanted for simplicity, the number of sides or sidewalls that arebeveled or slanted may be one or fewer beveled sides or slantedsidewalls. For example, the patio or courtyard 1300 includes a pluralityof two beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles 1302A, 1302B and aplurality of three beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles 1303A, 1303Bplaced adjacent to each other surrounding the tree 1301. The sides orsidewalls of the beveled or slanted sidewalk tile not interfacing to asidewalk tile may be a regular straight side.

Each of the two beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles 1302A at thecorners of the patio 1300 have two adjacent beveled or slanted sidewallsnext to the neighboring beveled or slanted sidewalk tiles. Each of thetwo beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles 1302B have two oppositebeveled or slanted sides or sidewalls next to the neighboring beveled orslanted sidewalk tiles. The beveled or slanted sides or sidewalls of thebeveled or slanted unitary frames to form the two beveled or slantedsided sidewalk tiles 1302A-1302B would be the same adjacent or oppositesides or sidewalls.

Each of the three beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles 1303A-1303B ofthe patio 1300 have three adjacent beveled or slanted sides or sidewallsnext to the neighboring beveled or slanted sidewalk tiles. Ifrectangular, the three beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles 1303Adiffer from the three beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles 1303B. Thebeveled or slanted sides or sidewalls of the beveled or slanted unitaryframes to form the three beveled or slanted sided sidewalk tiles1303A-1303B would be the same sides or sidewalls.

As the tree roots of the tree 1301 grow, one or more of the beveled orslanted sidewalk tiles may be displaced. Maintenance of the gradingunder the surface of the beveled or slanted sidewalk tile may beperformed as previously described by temporarily removing the sidewalktile and then replacing to bring the sidewalk tiles into level andaligned positions. With the beveled or slanted sidewalk tiles beingremovable, temporary repairs of sidewalk tiles, such by cement grindingor asphalt patching, are no longer necessary. With a removable slantedor beveled sidewalk tile, the grading there-under can be readilymaintained in a more tree-friendly manner by curing problem rootsearlier when they are smaller,

Instead of the tree 1301, a beveled or slanted sidewalk tile may beplaced in the center of the patio 1300. The center beveled or slantedsidewalk tile would have slanted or beveled sidewalls on all four sidesto allow it interface with four adjacent beveled or slanted sidewalktiles.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to thespecific constructions and arrangements shown and described. Rather, theembodiments of the invention should be construed according to the claimsthat follow below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of removing and replacing sidewalk tilescomprising: determining the position of a plurality of pickup pointswithin a sidewalk tile formed within a frame, wherein the frame and thesidewalk tile have one or more outwardly beveled sides to avoidinterference with one or more adjacent sidewalk tiles; removing asurface concrete layer over each of the plurality of pickup points;coupling cables to each of the plurality of pickup points; pulling up onthe cables to lift the sidewalk tile up and away from the one or moreadjacent sidewalk tiles to expose a grading for repair; making therepair to the exposed grading; and replacing the sidewalk tile so thatthe one or more of the outwardly beveled sides of the sidewalk tile forma triangular gap with an outwardly beveled side of an adjacent sidewalktile.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to coupling cables,fastening a fastener to each of the pickup points, and coupling thecables to the fasteners to couple the cables to the plurality of pickuppoints.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the cablesfrom the plurality of pickup points; and patching concrete onto thesidewalk tile over the plurality of pickup points.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the exposed grading is repaired by removing tree roots.5. A sidewalk construction kit to form one or more removable andreplaceable sidewalk tiles, the sidewalk construction kit comprising: afirst unitary frame having four sidewalls forming an interior openingwith a base lip coupled to the four sidewalls, wherein at least two ofthe four sidewalls are slanted outward to avoid interference with anadjacent unitary frame, the interior opening of the first unitary frameto receive concrete; a first reinforcement structure positioned withinthe interior opening and coupled to two or more sidewalls of the firstunitary frame, the first reinforcement structure to couple to concretepoured into the interior of the first unitary frame to strengthen theremovable and replaceable sidewalk tile; a second unitary frame, thesecond unitary frame having four sidewalls forming an interior openingwith a base lip coupled to the four sidewalls, wherein at least two ofthe four sidewalls are slanted outward to avoid interference with anadjacent unitary frame, the interior opening of the frame to receiveconcrete; a second reinforcement structure positioned within theinterior opening and coupled to two or more sidewalls of the secondunitary frame, the second reinforcement structure to couple to concretepoured into the interior of the second unitary frame to strengthen theremovable and replaceable sidewalk tile; and a plurality of reinforcedpickup points to be positioned within the interior opening of the firstand second unitary frames, the height of each of the reinforced pickuppoints being less than the height of the sidewalls of the first andsecond unitary frames such that the reinforced pickup points are to beburied just under the surface of the concrete; wherein first and secondunitary frames are placed adjacent to each other such that their slantedsidewalls form sides of a triangular space between the adjacent firstand second unitary frames.
 6. The sidewalk construction kit of claim 5,wherein the reinforced pickup points are independent pickup pointscoupled to bases to provide additional support for load bearing.
 7. Thesidewalk construction kit of claim 5, further comprising: a plurality ofplugs or caps to respectively couple into a threaded opening in theplurality of reinforced pickup points to avoid concreted filing into theplurality of pickup points.
 8. The sidewalk construction kit of claim 5,further comprising: a strip of triangular shaped filler material to fillbetween adjacent unitary frames, the filler material to allow expansionand contraction of adjacent sidewalk tiles.
 9. The sidewalk constructionkit of claim 8, wherein the filler material is a felt material or ahardened foam material.
 10. A method of forming a sidewalk withremoveable and replaceable concrete sidewalk tiles, the methodcomprising: placing a first unitary rectangular frame with one or moreoutwardly slanted sidewalls on a surface; placing a second unitaryrectangular frame with one or more outwardly slanted sidewalls adjacentto the first unitary frame such that the outwardly slanted sidewalls ofthe first and second unitary frames form the sides of a triangular gapbetween each adjacent unitary frame; positioning a plurality ofreinforced pickup points within the interior of the first and secondunitary rectangular frames; pouring concrete into the interior of thefirst and second unitary rectangular frames to cover over the pluralityof reinforced pickup points, a head of the plurality of reinforcedpickup points covered by a thin layer of concrete; smoothing over asurface of the concrete to form a flat surface; and allowing theconcrete to set and bond to the first and second unitary rectangularframe.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein prior to pouring concrete,reinforcing the first unitary rectangular frames with a firstlatticework, reinforcing the second unitary rectangular frames with asecond latticework, coupling the first and second latticework to theplurality of reinforced pickup points, and coupling a cap into athreaded opening in each of the plurality of reinforced pickup points.12. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second unitaryrectangular frames includes a lip coupled to the base of each sidewallto support the concrete over the graded surface and avoid each sidewallfrom digging into the graded surface, and a reinforcement mesh coupledto each sidewall to strengthen the removeable and replaceable concretesidewalk tile.